Hitchin' Post is a children's picture book written by Julie Barker and illustrated by Carolyn Altman. Who is Hitchin' Post, and how did he get his most distinctive name? Well, Hitchin' Post is a jackrabbit with ears so long they reach down to his knees. Hitch lives on a ranch called the 6Bs, and he loves it! There's always plenty of chores for Hitch and the cowboys to tackle, but life is good on the ranch. In the summer, it can get dry and hot, and sometimes drought conditions mean the cattle have to be moved to a wetter location. In the fall, the weather gets milder, and Hitch likes to sit with the other cowboys and watch as the storm clouds move in. Sometimes, Hitch likes to listen to what the other cowboys have to say about life, and, one day, he heard one say that his life won't make him rich, but he wouldn't switch it for any other. Hitch feels that way too. He loves the wide open spaces, his friends and the simple richness of ranch life -- it suits him just fine. And how did he get that name? You'll just have to read the book to find out.

Julie Barker's charming and whimsical children's picture book, Hitchin' Post, introduces children to the life of a real working ranch through the eyes of Hitchin' Post, a real-life cowboy who just happens to be a jackrabbit. I loved learning about ranching and especially appreciated the narrator's take on life -- Hitch is a most agreeable fellow indeed. Carolyn Altman's illustrations are brilliant! I love the deceptive simplicity of her drawings, especially those which featured Hitchin'. The expressions on that jackrabbit's face and the way his long ears fit perfectly through the holes in his cowboy hat make me smile each time I see him, and his philosophy on life is spot-on. Hitchin' Post is a grand selection for story time as kids get a chance to learn about ranching and cowboys. It's also quite suitable for early readers as the pictures and words work so well together, it should not be overly challenging. Hitchin' Post is most highly recommended.

Hitch is a cowhand with really long ears. His ears are so long they go down to his knees and they were the reason behind his nickname, Hitchin’ Post. You see, Hitch is actually a jackrabbit, but he is also a very competent cowhand on 6B’s Ranch. Hitch enjoys his life on the ranch; he likes his work. But when he overhears other cowhands commenting that they will never get rich working on the ranch, Hitch starts to look around him and realize that his riches are not the monetary kind and he is quite content with what he has. It’s a good place to work; Hitch has good friends amongst the cowhands; he likes being outdoors; and he enjoys being around the animals. When the summer heat becomes so dry that the water disappears, the cattle are transported elsewhere for preservation. Hitch is so happy when the fall season brings rains and the return of the cattle. There is so much on the ranch for Hitch to enjoy and he is content with his life.

Julie Barker’s picture book story, Hitchin’ Post, is a clever story told in rhyme. It is geared towards young readers, but the message it carries is very important to people of all ages: be happy with what you have. Wealth is not something that can be measured in coin, but rather something that makes us feel complete, content, happy and healthy. Hitch has all of those things and he realizes that he doesn’t need money to be wealthy. As the author writes in her ending: “It’s the big and the small and all the in-between/ that should make you feel the richest of rich!” Wonderfully told with beautiful, rustic illustrations.